Durban Ladies rebuilding towards Hollywoodbets Super League Top 8

The Durbanites finished 10th last year as well as in 2021, but are currently in 4th spot following a 3-1 victory over Copperbelt Ladies at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

"If we can finish in a better position than last season, it will be an achievement for us. This kind of result and where we are in the log shows that anything is possible. If they believe, they can do it," said Makhaye.

He has virtually a new team in 2023 after a number of his players moved on, including University of Johannesburg’s key player Yolanda Nduli, Memory Makhanya – now with Royal AM, and AmaTuks’ recent acquisition S’bahle Ndlovu.

Makhaye revealed to SABC Sport he began the season with only 13 players and attributes their strong start – four wins from six games – to a positive attitude.

"We lost 60% of our players. We basically had to start all over again. I'm so surprised with the way they are quickly adapting to our style which is good and also repays their hard work,” he added.

“I had to prepare them mentally because that's all it takes to win the game. Team spirit is very good, they're pushing each other and also enjoying what they're doing.”

All four of their victories were against teams placed in the bottom half of the table, and they next tackle newcomers TS Galaxy Queens in 6th place, before meetings with Pretoria-based clubs, including log-leaders and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Makhaye says each team is worthy of respect but concedes their next opponents will be a next-level challenge.

"We played the team that beat JVW, they came to us and lost. So, every team will give you a run for your money. That's good, the confidence grows in the players which is good. Those games will be the test of where we stand," he concluded.